Following Team India’s series-clinching win in the second ODI, VVS Laxman underlined the importance of the comeback win. Although the first win was a stomp, the team would have been happier in the second game after fighting back from the dead. Talking to TOI, Laxman said:
“The ODI series in Colombo has played out along expected lines. India has clinched the series at the first time of asking. Victory in the first game was convincing and comprehensive, thanks to a powerful batting display, but I am sure the team will have taken greater pleasure in their three-wicket win in game two after being pushed to a corner.”
Forging friendships 🤜🤛
Learnings from the tour 👌
Experience of working with seniors 👍Having been with #TeamIndia on the UK tour, Arzan Nagwaswalla & @prasidh43 talk about it & much more 😎 😎 – by @RajalArora
Watch the full video 🎥 👇 #ENGvIND https://t.co/KzOk4BNeuK pic.twitter.com/gfvo2nxa0E
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 23, 2021
Laxman was impressed with Deepak Chahar in particular. Chahar was promoted up the order, and he pounced on the opportunity with a match-winning 69*. He found able support in the experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and the two forged an unbeaten 84-run partnership that took India home.
“The maturity and confidence Deepak Chahar showcased under pressure was exemplary. The wise head of Bhuvneshwar Kumar guided him admirably. It’s unlikely this bunch will play together for the country anytime soon after this tour is over but every member of the party will cherish that victory for the rest of their lives,” Laxman noted.
“Suryakumar is a throwback to our generation of batsmen” – VVS Laxman
The former India batsman VVS Laxman was highly impressed with Suryakumar Yadav. He scored a fluent 53 before getting dismissed by Wanindu Hasaranga. Talking about him, Laxman felt Suryakumar was extremely versatile in the squad.
“Surya is on a mission to make up for lost time. In some ways, he is a throwback to our generation of batsmen in that not only does he come down the track, he also uses the depth and width of the crease to target areas that are not populated by fielders. That’s what makes him so versatile. He is as much at home batting at No. 5 as he is at No. 3,” Laxman observed.
The SRH mentor also pointed out that the series is over but India has a chance to whitewash the opposition.
“Sri Lanka have had their moments but have been let down by a lack of experience more than anything else. Going into Friday’s final ODI, India will take nothing for granted. Agreed, the series is in the bag, but there is no greater satisfaction than completing a clean sweep, away from home,” he added.
